AN appeal against a decision to reject a 119-home development near Jodrell Bank has been thrown out by the Secretary of State for communities, two years after plans were initially put forward.

Gladman Developments had applied to build the development off Main Road in Goostrey, less than two miles from the observatory.

Gladman appealed against Cheshire East Council’s decision to reject plans, leading to a public inquiry, but Sajid Javid MP agreed with the planning inspector’s recommendations to dismiss the appeal.

The report, compiled by planning inspector Gareth Jones, concluded that the development would cause interference with the observatory’s world-renowned radio telescope, impairing its efficiency.

Radio interference can arise from mobile phones and Wi-Fi connections, as well as household appliances such as microwave ovens and lawnmowers.

The report stated: “The protection of Jodrell Bank observatory as a facility of international importance transcends the housing land supply circumstances of the case.

“The appeal development would impair the efficiency of the Jodrell Bank Radio Telescope.

“The harm to the efficiency of the Jodrell Bank Radio Telescope carries substantial weight against the proposal.”

Cheshire East Council has hailed Mr Javid’s decision to preserve the 17-acre site, which would also have disturbed nearby Swanwick Hall.

Cllr Ainsley Arnold, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for housing and planning, said: “We are delighted the secretary of state has supported the council’s case and has dismissed this planning appeal.

“Jodrell Bank observatory is a vital asset to this borough, the nation and the international scientific community. The protective zone around the telescope has been in place since 1973 and we are very pleased that its importance has been recognised and reinforced.

“As a council, we are doing everything possible to meet the housing needs of our area. However, this was simply the wrong development in the wrong place. It is very good to see that the long-term protection of vital scientific work has prevailed over the short-term high demand in housing supply.

“This further underlines the importance of the ongoing collaboration between the council and Manchester University over operations at the site.”

The validity of the secretary of state’s decision may be challenged by means of an application to the High Court within six weeks of November 24.